Festive Season on the Legendary Danube

Christmas comes early as festive Christmas celebrations begin to come to life along the shining Danube River. From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Festive Danube River cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns, can be experienced right from your stateroom. Feel the holiday spirit through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary aboard your Avalon Suite Ship, festively adorned with sparkling lights and warm holiday cheer. Embark in Nuremberg where your Avalon Suite Ship is adorned with festive decorations and lights. Warm your heart with hot chocolate by candlelight, delight in learning cherished holiday recipes passed down through generations, and smile to the joyful sounds of carols on board. Welcome the holiday season as Europe’s storybook towns come to life with the first glow of holiday cheer. Stroll through twinkling sights in Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Passau. Visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk, one of Europe’s largest monasteries commanding the breathtaking blufftop view. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to arrive in Vienna, the “City of Music” and home to some of Europe’s most stunning holiday sights and sounds. In Budapest, enjoy the festive atmosphere of twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the streets. This Danube River Festive Season cruise is sure to bring visions of sugar plums, sweet confections, and savory dishes that invite you to unwrap the magic of Europe’s festive season for a gift you’ll never forget.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,000 flight credit per person
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Nuremberg with breakfast
• Nürnberg Private Walking Tour
• Nuremberg World War 2 and Beer Tasting Tour
• 7-night The Legendary Danube river cruise onboard Avalon Passion
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Budapest with breakfast
• Budapest Private Walking Tour
• Grand City Tour: Budapest Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 19 November – 02 December

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Nürnberg Private Walking Tour

This private walking tour of Nuremberg includes a stroll to the Hauptmarkt to see a 14th-century fountain called Schöner Brunnen; a tour of the timbered house of Albrecht Dürer, Germany's most famous painter; and an exploration of the medieval Imperial Castle. With a personal guide on hand to offer explanations, you’ll learn about historical events aside from World War II, from the Holy Roman Empire to the industrial revolution.

Nuremberg World War 2 and Beer Tasting Tour

The Major War Criminals Trial was held before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946. As a result of this trial, Courtroom 600 of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice gained worldwide notoriety. 

Budapest Private Walking Tour

Budapest is a subtle blend between sophistication and simplicity. With the “gentle waves” of the Danube separating the city into Buda and Pest, its long history engulfs every street and every corner, offering you the experience of a lifetime. 

Grand City Tour: Budapest Sightseeing Bus Tour

A charming and elegant capital, Budapest, sits on either side of the mighty Danube River and offers a fantastic mix of history and culture, from the architecture of Buda to the boulevards of Pest, famous cuisine to thermal baths. UNESCO has recognized the embankment area of the Danube, Castle District, and the Andrássy Avenue area as World Heritage Sites, and these are a part of your city break which cannot be missed.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Germany. Your Festive Suite Ship® Awaits.

Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.

Day 2: Gingerbread and German History

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion: Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg

Classic Excursion: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Classic Excursion: Enjoy an Onboard Lecture to learn about the Main-Danube Canal—an engineering marvel linking these two rivers enabling vital navigation between the North and Black Seas.

Discovery Excursion: Join a gingerbread Cooking Demonstration on board your ship.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 3: Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Regensburg’s important Jewish heritage sites.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively, spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

Day 4: Bohemian Rhapsodies

Active Excursion: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers." Enjoy a stop at a local bakery for a special Christmas treat.

Consider a fantastic full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or travel to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Sail to Linz this afternoon or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

Linz, Austria - Legendary, Lovely Linz

Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 5: Frescoes and Finery

Active Excursion: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.

Vienna - Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

Day 6: Royal Collections and Confections

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

Active Excursion: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past with an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake

Classic Excursion: Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

Day 7: Hungarian Holiday

Active Excursion: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Cooking Class with local expert chefs to learn about the rich culinary traditions of Hungary. Make delicious Hungarian sweets and accompany them with a taste of mulled wine to celebrate the holiday season.

This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés, adorned in a warm festive spirit to indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine, or an iconic chimney cake.

Day 8: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Happy Holidays!

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.